Health Minister: 'E-cigarettes could normalise smoking behaviour'

Wales' Health Minister Mark Drakeford will introduce a White Paper later, setting out a number of new law proposals to tackle some of Wales' major public health challenges.

His proposals include a minimum price for alcohol of 50p per unit, and a restriction on the use of e-cigarettes in public places.

Alcohol and tobacco contribute to many life-threatening illnesses and are major causes of persistent inequalities in health.

There is indisputable evidence that the price of alcohol matters. It's no coincidence that as the affordability of alcohol has increased substantially, so has alcohol-related disease. A minimum unit price will make a strong contribution to preventing alcohol overuse and misuse and reducing alcohol-related illnesses.

I have concerns about the impact of e-cigarettes on the enforcement of Wales' smoking ban. That's why we are proposing restricting their use in enclosed public places.

I am also concerned that their use in enclosed places could normalise smoking behaviour. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and I want to minimise the risk of a new generation becoming addicted to this drug.